The PBL Playbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Actually Doing Project-Based Learning

There is something happening across the country and around the world right now. It's hidden in the planning sessions of colleagues, in the professional development opportunities at schools and conferences, and in the hallways as teachers and administrators talk with each other about their students.It's been happening in pockets for so long, that now those groups of teachers and leaders are starting to bring in new teachers and new leaders to build a true culture of learning that looks and feels different.It's taking shape as a revolution of sorts (but not some type of education reform) that is beginning to make its way into every school and every classroom.The textbooks are no longer "good enough", and the multiple-choice tests are no longer "good enough", and the lectures are no longer "good enough" for our kids.We've seen what can happen when students are presented with a problem to solve, a challenge to overcome.We've seen what can happen when students have learning experiences that are both relevant and meaningful to them as an individual and citizen.We've seen what can happen when students own their learning, have a choice in the process and performance task, and get to choose how they can demonstrate understanding.Project-based learning (PBL) is no longer relegated to gifted classrooms, honors classes, and exploratory specials. PBL is an active piece of the K-12 learning experience, found in every subject, in every grade level, and in every part of curricula and scope and sequences.PBL is taking over traditional finals and mid-terms as the performance task. It is showing up as HOW you teach the unit, instead of only an ending project to the unit. PBL is growing because it engages and empowers students to learn experientially and share that learning in new and unique ways that go well beyond the classroom.Yet, many teachers are asking: How do we plan and implement PBL? How do we "fit it in" our current curriculum? How do we assess it using our current grading guidelines? How do we manage this type of learning?These are all real concerns and questions that cannot be dismissed. PBL takes time to plan, implement, manage, and assess. Then it takes time to tweak, improve, and highlight.In The PBL Playbook, we dive into specific answers to all those questions, and what PBL looks like in each grade level and subject area!The PBL Playbook is right for you if:You are a teacher ready to move towards an authentic learning experience for your students.You are a superintendent, district administrator, or principal who is leading a school through project-based learning.You are a coach, staff developer, or teacher leader that wants to help guide colleagues into PBL with a gameplan that works.

A.J. Juliani is the Director of Learning and Innovation for Centennial School District. As a former Engish teacher, football coach, and K-12 Technology Staff Developer, A.J. has worked towards innovative learning experiences for students in various roles. A.J. is also an award-winning blogger, speaker, and author of multiple books including the best-sellers EMPOWER and LAUNCH. He is the father of four crazy kids and believes we need to be intentional about innovation in education.